Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, September 12-15, including: GloWild at the zoo, Dial M for Murder and Merrily We Roll Along.
Renaissance Festival
Starting as a small benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute in 1977, the Renaissance Festival has blossomed into one of the city’s most-beloved events, drawing nearly a quarter of a million visitors each year willing to let their freak flag fly. Transport yourself into a long-bygone era with live jousting performances, giant turkey legs and men in tights.
August 31–October 13. Saturdays and Sundays. Times vary. 633 N. 130th Street, Bonner Springs.
Once
Once is your classic guy-meets-girl story. Two musicians named Guy and Girl bond over their love for music and learn important lessons about love along the way. Based on the 2007 motion picture by John Carney and directed by Stuart Carden, this performance at the Spencer Theater includes songs like the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly” and a heartfelt message about love and music.
September 3–22. 4949 Cherry St., KCMO.
GloWild at the Zoo
Going on its third year, the GloWild Lantern Festival is set to light up the night at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium with steel and fabric sculptures lit from within—hence the term lantern. The large handmade sculptures dot a mile-long path that meanders through the zoo. After hours, visitors walk the path to take in the art. This year’s theme, “Legends and Lore,” features dinosaurs, legends such as Atlantis, an enchanted forest and a fairy garden. The dozens of sculptures are handmade by more than 150 artists. Thirty-four tons of steel make up the frames, and 89,000 feet of fabric cover them. The sculptures are provided through the zoo’s partnership with Lektrik Art. The walk takes about an hour and a half, and is open in the evenings from Wednesday to Sunday. On Wednesdays, the aquarium is also open and included in the ticket price.
Wednesday–Sundays, September 6–December 29, 6 to 9 pm weekdays and 6 to 10 pm weekends.
Dial M for Murder
If you’re looking for a live murder-mystery with plenty of tension and twists, just pick up your phone and Dial M for Murder. Originally written by Frederick Knott, the show was adapted by Jeffery Hatcher to provide a more modern and fast-paced energy to this thrilling story. Presented by Kansas City Actors Theatre, which is committed to employing and supporting the local professional theater community, the performance will come to City Stage in Union Station this fall.
September 11-29, 30. City Stage in Union Station.
Terra Luna
Quixotic Entertainment combines technology, music and dance to create the immersive experience Terra Luna, a half-hour walkable journey through Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Visitors will witness dance, acrobatics, art displays and more as they enter this multi-sensory experience. Food, drinks and souvenirs will be available before entering the path, and all profits will benefit the arboretum.
September 12–15 and 19–22. Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
Merrily We Roll Along
Don’t get it backwards! With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a recent Broadway revival in 2023, the show Merrily We Roll Along is not one you want to miss. The show will run at B&B Live, a movie theater complex that doubles as a live theater. Presented by MTKC Pro, the professional branch of Music Theater Kansas City, this musical tells the story of Franklin Shepard and his lifelong friends Mary and Charley in reverse chronological order as Frank’s dreams and character are corrupted.
September 13–16 & 19–22. 16301 Midland Drive, Shawnee.
Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster
Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster uses hundreds of illustrated paper puppets, book pages, props, monster puppets and songs to bring Mo Willems’ Number 1 New York Times best-selling picture books to life. Manual Cinema has recreated the experience of holding one of Willems’ big, bold, colorful books, either on the big screen like a traditional movie or watching the artists below it as they create the story in real time.
September 13. 6 pm. Yardley Hall.
Jesse James Festival
The 53rd Jesse James Festival celebrating the life of the local legend and outlaw takes place in Kearney, Missouri, James’ birthplace, boyhood home and final resting place. Amid artifacts and DNA testing, the festival commemorates an era that shaped the nation.
September 13 & 14, 20& 22. Times vary. Jesse James Park, Kearney.
Kansas City Reggae Music & Jerk Festival
KC’s Annual Reggae Music & Jerk Festival returns for three days of music, culture and community. This celebratory event features reggae artists, traditional jerk cuisine and cultural activities.
September 13–15. Times vary. Berkeley Riverfront.
Sur: Music of South America
Colombian guitarist and vocalist Nilko Andreas and Bolivian singer Gian-Carla Tisera headline Sur: Music of South America, a concert that celebrates the blend of the two countries’ sounds. This event is part of the Ensemble Iberica’s 2024 concert series, which hopes to connect local audiences to music from around the world. If you’re looking for a snack before or after the performance, the 1900 Building will also have refreshments available for purchase in the lobby in addition to the restaurant inside the building.
September 14, 7–9 pm. 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Mission Woods.
The Righteous Brothers
Entertaining audiences for more than 60 years, The Righteous Brothers are bringing back nostalgia with their Lovin’ Feelin’ Farewell Tour. They will be playing through their decades-spanning catalog of music, with hits like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”
September 14. 7:30 pm. Kauffman Center.
Cider Festival
Get into the fall spirit at the Cider Festival at the KC Pumpkin Patch. There will be five hard cider samples when you attend the festival which takes place on the picturesque fields, with plenty of many fall photo ops along the way. Guests will also get a souvenir glass and there will be giant yard games, skeeball, adult tricycles, slides, and festival foods, wine slushies, wine, beer and cider are available for purchase.
Weekends, September 14–22. 13875 S. Gardner Rd., Olathe.
